After the partition of British India in 1947, the Kashmir region became a subject of argument between India and Pakistan. It caused several wars and never-ending disputes, and the issue is still a contentious bone in the South Asian region. The area of Kashmir, which is under the occupation of India, is considered the world’s largest open-air prison, and the main reason for this is the presence of a massive number of Indian military curtailing fundamental human rights. IIOJK has made significant progress in the situation, but this is merely the beginning of daily activities’ worst tensions and chaos.
Keeping this in view, Pakistan’s held Kashmir marks October 24 as a day of pride when it was established in 1947 and is seen by its folks as a place of freedom and defiance. It is a day of reflection, with the most important characteristic being the indomitable spirit of the Kashmiris, who have withstood the test of changing times and political aspirations.
Historical Perspective:
Pakistan held Kashmir celebrates its independence on October 24, 1947, a date that demonstrates the strength and perseverance of its people in their fight for self-determination. This day is commemorated with great enthusiasm across Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), representing the region’s rich traditions and national pride. Establishing the first revolutionary administration, commanded by ‘Ghazi-e-Millat’ Sardar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, was a watershed point in AJK history.
Sardar Ibrahim, a crucial actor in the 1947 Poonch Rebellion, played a vital part in establishing Azad Kashmir and its interim administration, which was essential in the region’s quest for autonomy and alignment with Pakistan. His leadership in the historic meeting at his Srinagar residence, where the resolution for Kashmir’s accession to Pakistan was adopted, remains a cornerstone of AJK’s political heritage. The spirit of October 24 is about remembering the past and reinforcing the commitment to the ongoing pursuit of self-determination and freedom.
AJK’s Evolution: From War Council to Autonomous State:
Local independence warriors channeled AJK out of the sole foreign domination. The AJK’s governance structure is similar to Pakistan’s, with an independent executive, legislature, and judiciary. AJK, a self-governing nation, has its own president, prime minister, flag, and legislature. The AJK administration, formerly known as the “War Council,” tried to free IIOJK. For the last 77 years, AJK has been characterized by following successes and improvements in many sectors, with the assistance of the Pakistan government, effectively making it a better place to live.
This evolution is a clear sign of the rise of AJK’s and Pakistan’s ongoing support along its development journey. The AJK government, with the endorsement of the Government of Pakistan, has been remarkably involved in the freedom struggle of the Kashmiris. They raised the issue worldwide, thus making it more critical, and stressed their quest for self-determination. IIOJK is well-acknowledged as a contested zone, and Pakistan is still firm in standing up for the rights of Kashmiris to self-determination. The sacrifices of the people of Kashmir, particularly those who were martyred and the heroes, are proof of the tenacity and courage that the Kashmiris have shown in their struggle for freedom.
Pakistan has historically regarded Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of its deep integration into its external and military policies. This point of view not only underscores Kashmir’s strategic and emotional importance to Pakistan but is also very well portrayed in its diplomatic initiatives and military strategies; the latter are directly aimed at enabling the Kashmiri people to realize their freedom aspirations.
In t AJK’s Day of Remembrance, as well as Hope:
In the case of the special day, the AJK government put together a range of movements to honor the area’s historical background and inspiredness. A 21-gun salute was shown in the state capital, standing for respect and happiness. Other than that, special prayers were offered in the mosques of Pakistan for the country’s wealth and the soon liberation of IIOJ. Along with that, flag hoisting and prayer ceremonies were arranged in the district headquarters, mentioning the martyrs and heroes of the Kashmir liberation struggle. The AJK President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary, and members of the Legislative Assembly, together with other Kashmiri leaders, were the main speakers at all other events, and they all pointed out the day’s significance and reasserted their loyalty to the cause. These activities speak to the unbreakable spirit and solidarity of the people of Kashmir.